Things to do in Washington, D.C.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Washington, DC, from taking in the history of the National Mall, exploring its vaulted cultural institutions, ... Read More

There’s no shortage of things to do in Washington, DC, from taking in the history of the National Mall, exploring its vaulted cultural institutions, or even enjoying time in the great outdoors.

Of the 17 Smithsonian museums, all of which offer free admission, the National Air and Space Museum is a favorite (literally—it’s one of the world’s most-visited museums), thanks to its vast collection of artifacts, which includes the 1903 Wright brothers flyer and the Apollo 11 space module. Meanwhile, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts stages fantastic music and theater performances each year (400 of which are free to the public). For the best itinerary, plan two or three cultural activities during the day, then explore the city’s restaurant and nightlife scenes at night, before returning to your hotel to recharge.